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Industry pays tribute to “fifth Beatle” George Martin

By | Published on Wednesday 9 March 2016

George Martin

The music industry has been paying tribute this morning to UK record industry veteran and legendary record producer George Martin, who has died aged 90.

With Martin perhaps best known for his work with The Beatles, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney led the tributes. The former took to Twitter to declare “God bless George Martin”, adding with the customary “peace and love” that “George will be missed”.

Meanwhile McCartney posted a longer statement on his website, in which he wrote: “I’m so sad to hear the news of the passing of dear George Martin. I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family”.

Noting that Martin is one of a number of people who have been dubbed “the fifth Beatle” over the years, McCartney went on: “If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know”.

Having started his record industry career at EMI and Parlophone, both as a label exec and a producer at the label’s Abbey Road Studios, Martin then set up his own music business and studio facilities in the form of Air Studios.

Abbey Road Studios are now owned by Universal Music, of course, and this morning a spokesman for the complex paid tribute to one of the most famous producers to be associated with the facility, stating that: “Abbey Road Studios wish to express their deepest condolences to the Martin family on hearing the sad news that Sir George passed away yesterday, aged 90”.

The statement added: “Sir George transformed music recording with his creative flair, innovation and passion and we want to express our deep sadness at losing such an immensely talented, charming and warm man. We are committed to ensuring Sir George’s visionary legacy lives forever at Abbey Road Studios, and we are hugely honoured to be part of his story”.



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